BioNTech, Defence Therapeutics, PAION - All dams broken

Defence Therapeutics - mRNA company with takeover fantasy

One of these promising companies that could soon become part of a big pharma's portfolio is Defence Therapeutics, which is significantly advancing research on mRNA vaccines in combination with its patented drug enhancer Accum. Recent news includes the issuance of a US patent on the use of Accum as a so-called drop-in enhancer to boost the immunogenicity and performance of virtually any cell-based or protein vaccine. Accum technology enables the precise transport of vaccine antigens or ADCs in the intact form to target cells. As a result, improved efficiency and efficacy against serious diseases such as cancer and infectious diseases can be achieved.

In cooperation with a European partner, mRNA vaccines against cancer developed in-house and combined with Accum technology are currently being compared with vaccines without Accum in a study. Defence Therapeutics wants to show that the efficacy can be significantly increased with the in-house technology. In parallel, Phase 1 studies are planned in the near future around skin cancer, lymphoma, breast cancer and colon cancer. More details can be found in a detailed report published this week.

February should also be exciting from a capital market perspective. Another industry meeting is scheduled in New York, where the Canadians will be available to answer questions from medical professionals and investors in two presentations. A wave of acquisitions is currently underway, as the pharmaceutical giants are sitting on bulging coffers on the one hand and are on the lookout for the latest innovations on the other. In January, for example, three deals worth more than USD 1 billion each were signed at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference. Defence Therapeutics' market capitalization is CAD 151.40 million.

PAION - Explosion after recommendation

News from the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, CHMP, hit the stock market like a bomb. The expert panel published a positive opinion recommending approval of Remimazolam for the induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia in adults. It is now up to the European Commission to review the CHMP's recommendation. A final decision on the marketing authorization application for remimazolam in the EU is expected in the first half of 2023. In addition, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) also intends to review a potential marketing authorization in the UK.

Gregor Siebert, CEO of PAION AG, commented: "This positive opinion of the CHMP on Remimazolam brings us closer to our goal of offering the first innovative treatment option for anaesthesia in Europe for decades. We will make the necessary preparations to make the product available to patients and physicians for general anaesthesia in a timely manner, with a planned launch in the second half of 2023."

After an increase of more than 115%, the Paion share was able to leave the downward trend that had been developing since July 2020 and is currently trading at EUR 0.89. A setback to the trend mentioned above at EUR 0.75 would be healthy from a technical point of view.

BioNTech - The partner collapses

Bad news comes from the vaccine partner from the USA. Pfizer is feeling the waning Corona pandemic and thus the lower demand for vaccines. The Company forecasts a slump in sales of its COVID-19 preparations for the current fiscal year. In doing so, the US company undercut analysts' estimates, which were still too low. According to the report, sales of the vaccine marketed with BioNTech are expected to reach USD 13.5 billion, down 64% from 2022. Earnings are expected to be down by about 58%, amounting to USD 8 billion.

In contrast, analysts expected revenues of USD 14.4 billion with earnings of USD 10.3 billion. From a chart perspective, key support, the 2018 high at USD 44.05, has been breached. The next stop would now be the area around USD 41.50.

The volatilities from 2022 are likely to continue in biotech stocks in the current year. In addition, the number of acquisitions is steadily increasing. Defence Therapeutics is expected to attract interest from larger pharma companies with regard to its Accum technology. Pfizer disappointed with its outlook concerning the vaccine marketed with BioNTech.